Individual Connection & Belief...Organizational Mission & Values

As I dive into my 2nd and final year as an MBA student at Bainbridge Graduate Institute (now part of Pinchot University) I have embarked upon a 9 month internship at Seattle Children's Hospital. In a somewhat roundabout way I landed at Seattle Children's in mid-September, although now looking back at the process that took place, I am not at all surprised.

For part of our 2nd year curriculum at BGI we continue our Leadership and Personal Development course series (a course that is the only constant throughout our 2 year MBA). To kick off the year all students engaged in Gallup's StrengthsFinder 2.0. After completing a 45 minute survey of behavioral questions, I was assigned 5 strengths with an in depth explanation of each. The accuracy of each strength as it related to my personal tendencies was astounding. My top two strengths were Connectedness and Belief. In short, I live my life according to a complex set of beliefs based on personal experiences and believe that all of us and what we experience are connected in some way. 

When I set out to find an internship this past summer I sought advice from several friends and family, classmates and mentors. I am not completely convinced I found the balance between controlling the outcome and remaining open to possibility, but at least balanced enough to find my way to an incredible organization who's mission and values I am proud to stand behind and spread into the world. 

Seattle Children's mission - 

"We believe all children have unique needs and should grow up without illness or injury. With the support of the community and through our spirit of inquiry, we will prevent, treat and eliminate pediatric disease."

If I have learned anything from the process of finding this internship it was to follow my heart and tell people about my passion. Knowing that my work this year is to work to improve the lives of children is truly a gift. 

Entering into an organization as a graduate student intern is both confidence-boosting and a bit intimidating. The platform on which I begin my research is buoyed by welcoming sponsors, potential to create real value and the opportunity to build relationships with incredible, passionate people. I commend Seattle Children's for being open to partnering with Pinchot University for this internship program.